The government is set to introduce coding, artificial intelligence (AI), electronics, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and ethics into Ghana’s revised basic education curriculum as part of efforts to equip students with the skills needed for the future.
The Minister for Education, Haruna Iddrisu, announced the planned curriculum reforms on Monday, July 20, saying the changes would prepare Ghanaian learners to compete in an increasingly digital and technology-driven global economy.
The revised curriculum will cover pupils from kindergarten through junior high school (JHS) and is expected to place greater emphasis on practical, technology-focused learning from an early age.
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According to the Education Minister, the curriculum review is aimed at creating a smarter and more relevant education system that integrates technology, science, engineering and mathematics into basic education.
The reforms form part of the government’s broader efforts to strengthen STEM education in Ghana while equipping pupils with critical thinking, innovation and technical skills.
Speaking to the press, Haruna Iddrisu said the revised curriculum had reached a significant stage and would be formally presented to the Ministry of Education on Wednesday.
He explained that the curriculum would subsequently be submitted to the President before proceeding through the required government approval processes, including consideration by Cabinet and Parliament.
“I am happy to note that on Wednesday, a revised curriculum for all pupils from kindergarten to junior high school will be presented formally to the Ministry of Education for onward submission to the President and for the policy to go to Cabinet and Parliament,” the minister said.
He added that the review was intended to promote greater integration of technology and STEM subjects into basic education.
“The revision of our curriculum is to ensure a smart curriculum for greater integration of technology, science, engineering, and mathematics. We have promised to introduce coding, electronics, artificial intelligence, and TVET into the basic education curriculum,” he said.
The planned introduction of coding and artificial intelligence into Ghana’s basic education curriculum is expected to expose learners to emerging technologies at an early stage.
The inclusion of TVET is also intended to strengthen practical and technical education, potentially giving pupils greater exposure to vocational skills and career pathways before they complete their basic education.
The government believes the revised curriculum will help develop a generation of learners equipped with digital literacy, technical competence, creativity and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in the modern economy.
Meanwhile, the Education Minister highlighted government interventions aimed at improving access to education and supporting vulnerable learners, particularly girls.
Haruna Iddrisu disclosed that the government has distributed 12.2 million sanitary pads across the country to support approximately 2.5 million female students in basic and secondary schools.
The initiative is aimed at supporting girls’ continued participation in education and addressing challenges that may affect school attendance.
The government says the broader education reforms, including the introduction of coding, AI, electronics and TVET, are part of efforts to make Ghana’s education system more responsive to the changing needs of learners and the demands of the global economy.
CNR